Editorial: Advances in ecotechnologies for the control of non-point source pollution in agricultural and urban watersheds

The rapid advancement of socio-economic development has led to a rapid increase in the transport of non-point source (NPS) inorganic contaminants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sediments, and metals, alongside organic pollutants like pesticides and pharmaceutical residues. NPS contaminants originate from both agricultural and urban sources, which in turn contaminate rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In many areas around the world, these contaminants are directly discharged into aquatic ecosystems without undergoing treatment, primarily due to a lack of suitable treatment facilities. While both point source and NPS can impact river water quality, NPS are notably more challenging to manage and have emerged as the predominant contributors of pollutants in many water bodies (Kumwimba et al., 2018; Kumwimba et al., 2023a). NPS sources present greater complexity in control compared to point sources due to their reliance on catchment areas and environmental conditions. Recognizing the adverse effects of NPS in/organic contaminants on aquatic environments and human health, substantial efforts have been made to develop and implement strategies aimed at reducing NPS in/organic contamination in vital water resources.